If you have been stopped by a police officer and were subsequently arrested for suspected drunk driving in Tennessee, it will be important that you learn about the different elements of your arrest and how these may help you defend yourself against the charges. One of the elements of a drunk driving investigation is the administration of field sobriety tests. These tests all have known failure or inaccuracy rates and your health may well be a contributor to your inability to pass one or more of them.
As explained by FieldSobrietyTests.org, two of the tests used during by officers require you to maintain perfect balance while simultaneously executing other cognitive tasks. These are the one-leg stand test and the walk and turn test. Several factors may prevent you from being able to balance well even if you have not consumed any alcohol. If you are overweight or beyond the age of 65, your balance may naturally be compromised.
Injuries to or medical conditions involving your legs, knees or feet are other things that may make it difficult, if not impossible, for you to keep your balance during these tests. Your back and your hips are also important stabilizers so if you have problems with either of them, your test results may not be accurate.
If you would like to learn more about the factors that may influence the outcomes of a drunk driving investigation and your defense options, please feel free to visit the driving under the influence offense page of our Tennessee criminal defense website.